Spine Neck Injuries Spine Neck Injuries Definition Your

Spine / Neck Injuries

Spine / Neck Injuries Definition Your spinal cord contains the nerves that carry messages between your brain and body. The cord passes through your neck and back. A spinal cord injury is very serious because it can cause paralysis below the site of the injury.

The spine is divided into several sections.

The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The brain functions to receive nerve impulses from the spinal cord and cranial nerves. The spinal cord contains the nerves that carry messages between the brain and the body.

A severe spinal cord injury can cause loss of feeling and paralysis, the loss of movement and voluntary control over the muscles in the body. It also causes loss of function below the point of injury interrupting bodily functions such as breathing, bowel control, and bladder control

Spine / Neck Injuries Consideration When someone has a spinal cord injury, additional movement may cause further damage to the nerves in the cord and can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.

Spine / Neck Injuries Consideration If you think someone could possibly have a spinal injury, DO NOT move the injured person even a little bit, unless it is absolutely necessary.

Spine / Neck Injuries Causes • • Bullet or stab wound Direct trauma to the head, neck or back Diving accident Electric shock Extreme twisting of the truck Sports injury Major blow to the head or chest

Spine / Neck Injuries Symptoms • • Head held in unusual position Numbness or tingling down an arm or leg Weakness Difficult walking Paralysis of arms or legs No bladder or bowel conrol Unconscious Stiff neck, headache or neck pain

Spine / Neck Injuries First Aid The main goal is to keep the person immobile and safe until medial help arrives. You or someone else should call 911. Hold the person’s head and neck in the position in which they were found. DO NOT attempt to reposition the neck.

Spine / Neck Injuries First Aid If the person is unresponsive: check the person’s breathing and circulation. If necessary begin breathing and CPR.

Spine / Neck Injuries First Aid Do not roll the person over unless the person is vomiting or choking on blood or you need to check for breathing.

Spine / Neck Injuries First Aid Step One

Spine / Neck Injuries First Aid Step Two

Spine / Neck Injuries Do Not • DO NOT bend, twist or lift head or body • DO NOT attempt to move person before medical help arrives unless necessary • DO NOT remove a helmet if a spinal injury is suspected